### 317

Chao accepts your decision with good grace. Quang tells him to go home and stay with his family overnight, and then meet you all in the market square at dawn tomorrow. Chao is very grateful and he thanks Quang profusely. With a smile of pure joy on his face, he bids you all a good night and gallops away to his house on the east side of the settlement.

The Merry Forester Inn is situated in the middle of Jueng near to its market square. You enter its modest stable and leave your horses in the capable hands of the innkeeper’s daughter, Zhou-yin. You enter the inn and find its taproom is busy but not crowded. The village patrons take note of Quang’s Imperial Guard insignia and it sets off a hubbub of speculation as to why he is here. The owner leaves his counter and hurries across the taproom to introduce himself and bid you a warm welcome. You learn that his name is Shousun.

‘Have you any news of Vabou?’ he asks, anxiously. ‘We’ve heard rumours it’s been attacked. We’ve had no news from Vabou or Klatii for more than two days.’

Quang glances at you and hesitates to answer the innkeeper. Then he says:

‘Plenty of time for gossip later, my friend. My companions and I have travelled far this day and we’re in need of rest and refreshments. Four flagons of your best ale, if you please!’

Shousun nods and then returns to his place behind the taproom counter. His sour expression conveys his disappointment more than words ever could. You remove your backpacks and loosen your equipment belts before seating yourselves at a round table at the rear of the taproom. When the innkeeper approaches with a tray of frothing flagons, Quang whispers to you all: ‘Make no mention of the refugee massacre or the battle at Vabou.’

Shousun sets the tray upon the table and asks for 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns).

If you have sufficient money and wish to pay for the ales, turn to 154.

If you do not have enough money, or if you choose not to offer to pay for the ales, turn to 77.